In the opening of this chapter reference is made to those merely nominal Christians, who, rejecting the admonitions of the light of Christ, refuse to enter the path of self-denial, and are consequently disqualified, while they persist in their disobedience, from acceptably worshipping Almighty God. The following observations are designed to show the necessity, not only of entering "in at the strait gate," but also of continuing to walk in the "narrow way," bearing the daily cross and following Christ; that thus professed Christians, by not taking up a rest in their own works, nor confiding in a form of godliness whilst denying its power, may go forward under the Divine guidance and protection, even to the attainment of that state described by the Apostle, "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Gal. v. 24. During the process, of this work of worship purification of heart, ability to work in spirit and in truth, if humbly sought and waited for, there is no doubt will be, from time to time, graciously afforded. The important duty of thus pressing "toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus," is especially recommended to such religiously disposed persons as have been addressed in several of the preceding paragraphs of this chapter, grounded principally on the following precept of our Redeemer; "If any man will come after me," in other words, "If any man will be a Christian indeed, "let him deny himself, take up his daily cross, and follow me." (Matt. xvi. 24.) When mankind are awakened by the light or Spirit of Christ, and behold their miserable condition in the state of fallen nature, this heavenly Monitor leads them to deny self thus laid open to their view, figuratively speaking, covered with a filthy garment, polluted with sin. If they adhere to the Divine Instructor in the faith which he imparts, they are enabled to obey his dictates: and if they abide faithful to further requisitions, they are led to deny self, when appearing, through the subtlety of the enemy, in another form; even arrayed as in a splendid robe, adorned with the semblance of righteousness and holiness. Under this temptation, those who do not look to Christ and depend on him for counsel and direction, but yield to creaturely exaltation, and lean unto their own understanding, are in great danger of being utterly deceived. And when this has actually taken place, their minds being turned from "the light," become so darkened, that they gradually, and perhaps imperceptibly to themselves, slide from the path of self-denial, and take another course; which, although greatly disguised by its deceptive appearance, is no other than the path of self-gratification. Thus, having forsaken Him, who alone can preserve from the power of the enemy, their minds lie exposed to the influence of the Pharisaic "leaven" or spirit. In these cases, self, under a religious garb, still retains its life. Far from being denied, crucified, and mortified, it assumes the pre-eminence in their minds. How different from this, is that experience described by the Apostle Paul. "I am crucified with Christ," said he, "nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Gal. ii. 20.) May all who profess themselves believers in Christ be excited to press forward to the attainment of this state,* * Let it not be supposed, that the high privileges which the Christian dispensation holds out to mankind, do not comprise the according to the measure of grace severally dispensed to them. May they be so humbled by the power of God, as to become willing to "deny self," "the flesh," or "carnal mind;" in other words, to "put off the old man, with his deeds;" (Col. iii. 9;) not only his grossly corrupt and sinful practices, but also his acts of devotion, his praying and singing, and (in respect to ministers) his preaching too. Then will they be enabled to "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph. iv. 24.) They will become true worshippers, like the believers formerly, worshipping God in the spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no con(Phil. iii. 3.) fidence in the flesh. The Scriptures declare, that "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God;" (Rom. viii. 14;) and that "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." (1 Cor. xii. 7.) How desirable, how indispensable, then, is it, that all, and especially that those who call themselves ministers of Christ, should follow the leadings of his Spirit. This cannot be effectually done, unless they obey its monitions in their own minds. Now the monitions of the Spirit of Christ are always in accordance with his doctrines and attainment of such a state. Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed to the Father not only on behalf of his immediate followers, but for them also which should believe on him through their word, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us. I in them, and thou in me,” &c.-concluding his supplication (which should be read with reverence and awe) in these words: "I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them." (John, xvii. 20, 21, 23, 26.) precepts which are presented to us in the Scriptures; so that ministers of Christ, if they be such, and are indeed led by his Spirit, will evince, not only in their conduct and conversation, but also in their ministry, a faithful adherence to that portion of his doctrine already adverted to, enjoining the denial of self, the taking up the daily cross, and the following of him. But, if any who undertake the office of a Christian minister, evince in their general deportment, and in their ministry, a disposition to evade the denial of self, to shrink from bearing the cross, and from "putting off the old man with his deeds;" (Col. iii. 9;) if, instead of following the Spirit of Christ, as he leads them forth in their worship, they follow the suggestions of their own "fleshly wisdom," "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men," (Matt. xv. 9,) his own declaration seems to authorize the conclusion, that their worship is "in vain." In these cases, unless they submit to the humbling operation of the power of God, by which "the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, the haughtiness of men be made low, and the Lord alone exalted," (Isa. ii. 17,) they are in danger of becoming like unto some formerly, of whom we read, that they "shut up the kingdom of heaven," or Christian dispensation," against men;" neither going in themselves, nor suffering "them that are entering to go in." (Matt. xxiii. 13.) And, if they persist in this course, disregarding the convictions of the Spirit of Christ, which from the time when they began to reject its admonitions in their own consciences, it may be presumed, has not failed at seasons to reprove them, will they not be chargeable with iniquity in his sight? And is there not ground for them to fear, however successful they may esteem their ministerial labours, that ultimately their portion will be with those, concerning whom our holy Redeemer has |